Meet the 2022 Class of the Children’s Cancer Cause College Scholars Program
Children’s Cancer Cause is thrilled to welcome eight students into the 2022 class of our College Scholars Program! These survivors receive a financial scholarship to help with academic expenses and gain valuable cancer advocacy experience. Each member of our College Scholars Program completes a volunteer project of their choosing related to childhood cancer advocacy, with support and mentorship from the Children's Cancer Cause team.
Congratulations to each of these very deserving and inspiring young people!
2022 Stewart Scholar: Francesca
Francesca, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was 15 years old. By 16 she was interning with the Translational Genomics Research Institute in Phoenix. She has laboratory experience studying esophageal cancer, breast cancer, and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She’ll begin studying medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine this fall with an expected graduation date of 2026.
For her College Scholars project, Francesca will host a campus bone marrow drive at Stanford. In advance of the drive, she plans to interview Stanford doctors and researchers to create a promotional and educational video about marrow donation, with a specific focus on busting myths and reducing unwarranted fears that prevent people from joining the marrow registry.
The Stewart Scholarship is our top academic scholarship award, presented to a survivor who demonstrates exceptional potential to make a positive difference in the world. It is named in honor of John and Nancy Stewart, founders of our Stewart Initiative for Childhood Cancer Survivors.
Gold Scholar: Carly
Carly (Granby, Connecticut) was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was 10 years old. Today, she is an honor student and high school yearbook editor, and she sits on the AYA Advisory Council at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
“Cancer is one of the biggest obstacles a person can face. I am who I am today because of my past,” says Carly. “I feel confident that I am capable of handling whatever life throws at me.”
For her volunteer project, she plans to create a database of college scholarships available to cancer survivors in Connecticut, to help others achieve their college dreams.
Gold Scholar: Andrew
Andrew (Old Lyme, Connecticut) was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when he was seven years old, undergoing a complicated limb salvage surgery and a full year of learning to walk again.
Today, Andrew is an honor student, a student representative to the local Board of Education, and an ambassador/spokesperson for multiple cancer nonprofits. He plans to study mechanical engineering at Northeastern University in Boston.
For his volunteer project, Andrew plans to give motivational speeches about his cancer journey and create an online resource focused on pediatric osteosarcoma.
Silver Scholar: Brennan
Brennan (Brighton, Michigan) was diagnosed with a rare type of Hodgkin lymphoma when he was 14. An honor student who has served as Class President all four years of high school, he plans to study molecular biology in college.
“My arduous encounter with the monster of cancer brought out qualities that now define who I am and who I aspire to be. I like to say that cancer did more things for me than it did to me.”
Silver Scholar: Connor
Connor (Helotes, Texas) was diagnosed with a brainstem glioma when he was three years old. He is an active community volunteer with plans to study architecture in college.
“Cancer allowed me to see people and the world from a different perspective. Perhaps that’s why I want to be an architect. I am always looking for ways to make something better.”
Bronze Scholar: Preston
“Childhood cancer is a devastating disease that impacts the individual, and each story of tragedy or triumph encapsulates the hope that finding a cure might bring.”
Bronze Scholar: Shamari
“It was a long journey, a stressful one, and a very, very scary one. But it’s a journey that I’m proud of and one that I think was necessary for me to grow into the person I am today.”
Bronze Scholar: Spencer
“I know that I am just one person, but one person can truly start a trend. My end goal is to find more cures for other children like myself that have had to battle this awful disease.”